The Uganda Insurers Association conducted an engagement on Motor Third Party Insurance (MTP) with Western Region traffic Police officers. The engagement sought to refresh the police officers’ understanding of MTP and other motor policies so that they can enforce it from a more informed point of view and enlighten motorists on the same. It took place at Acacia Hotel in Mbarara.
At the engagement, UIA CEO - Jonan Kisakye explained that MTP is mandatory and plays a crucial role in protecting individuals who may suffer losses, injuries or fatalities resulting from road accidents. He added that contrary to the public misconception that insurers are the sole beneficiaries of MTP premiums, MTP prevents motorists from bearing the full financial burden of road accidents. He therefore challenged the officers to educate motorists on the importance of MTP and encouraged them to engage their insurers regarding claims since insurance companies exist primarily to pay claims.
Jonan said that through the regulator: Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), UIA is currently collaborating with government to amend the existing MTP legislation to align with the current economic realities. He also revealed that insurers now offer superior coverage options for MTP with supplementary benefits and that these can be accessed at an additional fee.
SP Betubiza Fabian, the Regional Traffic Officer of Kigezi, expressed his gratitude to UIA for enlightening the police officers with education on MTP and pledged that the traffic officers would pass on the knowledge to the road users.
UIA’s Non-Life Technical Assistant - Gilbert Emojong detailed the various insurance industry bodies & players and the roles they play i.e., Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), Uganda Insurers Association (UIA), Insurance Training College (ITC), Insurance Brokers Association of Uganda (IBAU), insurers (Life, Non-Life & Micro) & reinsurers.